Outotec and China’s Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) convened a sustainability seminar for 60 principal Chinese Rare Earth Elements (REE) producers and associated research institutes in Nanchang, China, on November 12, 2013.
The seminar discussed the environmental challenges of REE production, and possibilities to improve productivity through environmentally sound solutions. Presentations covered process operations, such as gas cleaning, water treatment, and tailings management and emphasized resource efficiency. In addition, modeling, simulation and process control were discussed in the seminar.
China is the largest REE producer in the world and finds it necessary to reduce their pollution to the environment. “Outotec provides environmentally sound process solutions and Best Available Techniques (BAT) by European Union definition to the non-ferrous metals producers of China. CNIA and its industry have an ongoing long tradition in collaboration with Outotec. Therefore, Outotec was the natural partner to arrange this joint seminar for REE producers and their research institutes to explore sustainable solutions. The Chinese government is increasingly exerting pressure to reduce the environmental impact of REE production and we need modern solutions to improve the competitiveness of REE producers,” says Professor Pan Wenju, Vice President of CNIA.
“This seminar clearly shows the readiness and willingness of REE producers in China to reduce their environmental impact by modernizing the industry. The emission control systems and solutions to manage solid, liquid, and gaseous effluents were discussed in depth in the seminar. The open dialogue with the producers showed that the Chinese REE industry recognizes the environmental challenges and embraces the technologies available to solve the issues. The seminar also enabled Outotec to establish direct contacts with REE producers,” says Dr. Kari Knuutila, Chief Technology Officer of Outotec. Further detailed discussions are already planned on specific issues at various REE production sites to continue this collaboration.
China’s Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA), based in Beijing, China, is a national non-profit, industrial economic social organization which is constituted voluntarily by over 1,000 Chinese enterprises, institutions and social communities of the nonferrous metals sector.
Outotec provides leading technologies and services for the sustainable use of Earth’s natural resources. As the global leader in minerals and metals processing technology, Outotec has developed many breakthrough technologies over the decades. The company also provides innovative solutions for industrial water treatment, the utilization of alternative energy sources and the chemical industry. Outotec shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.outotec.com